Stephen Fleming’s remarkable 18-year journey with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has officially come to an end after the franchise and the veteran coach mutually agreed to part ways. The decision followed what CSK described as a series of “open and honest discussions” between Fleming and the franchise management. It marks the end of one of the longest and most successful partnerships in IPL history.
Fleming first joined CSK as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009. Over the next 18 years, he built one of the most successful teams in T20 cricket alongside former captain MS Dhoni. Under his leadership, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies while becoming one of the most consistent franchises in the league.
The numbers highlight Fleming’s incredible success with the franchise. CSK reached the IPL playoffs 12 times and qualified for 10 finals during his tenure. However, the team’s performances dipped in recent years. After winning the IPL title in 2023, CSK finished fifth in 2024, ended at the bottom of the table in 2025, and managed only an eighth-place finish in the 2026 season.
Fleming also coached the Super Kings franchises in SA20 and Major League Cricket (MLC). The Joburg Super Kings reached the playoffs in all four editions of the SA20 but never qualified for the final. Similarly, the Texas Super Kings made the MLC playoffs in the first three seasons before finishing at the bottom of the table in 2026, which turned out to be Fleming’s final assignment with a Super Kings franchise.
CSK Owner Rupa Gurunath Pays Tribute to Stephen Fleming
CSK owner Rupa Gurunath thanked Fleming for his immense contribution to the team. “Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision, and pursuit of excellence,” she said. She added, “On behalf of everyone at the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. He will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.”
Reflecting on his departure, Fleming spoke emotionally about his long association with the franchise. “Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with Chennai Super Kings has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved,” he said. Fleming also added, “Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always be close to my heart.”
CSK Managing Director KS Viswanathan also praised Fleming’s impact beyond results. “From the earliest days of this journey, Fleming helped define not just how we played, but what we wanted to be as a franchise. He built a culture rooted in consistency, humility, and putting the team first,” Viswanathan said. He further added that Fleming’s ability to understand players and get the best out of them made him one of the finest coaches in world cricket.
Hemang Badani Emerges as Front-Runner for CSK Head Coach Role
According to a report by the Times of India, former India batter Hemang Badani has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Fleming as CSK’s head coach. Badani recently coached Delhi Capitals during IPL 2026 and is believed to be highly rated by the franchise. Reports also suggest that senior CSK officials are currently in Dallas reviewing the team’s recent performances and planning for the future.
The decision to part ways comes after three disappointing IPL seasons. Since lifting the trophy in 2023, CSK have failed to qualify for the playoffs and struggled to adapt to the fast-changing demands of modern T20 cricket. With MS Dhoni playing a reduced role and younger teams adopting a more aggressive approach, CSK often appeared to be playing catch-up. The back-to-back last-place finishes in IPL 2025 and the poor campaign in MLC further increased the pressure on the management.
Despite the difficult ending, Stephen Fleming leaves Chennai Super Kings as one of the greatest coaches in franchise cricket history. His achievements, leadership, and contribution helped shape CSK into one of the most successful and respected teams in the IPL. While a new chapter begins for the franchise, Fleming’s legacy at Chennai will remain unmatched and his influence will continue to be remembered for years to come.